The best road cycling routes around Chittlehampton

The Chittlehampton area offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 200 options available. These routes cater to all skill levels, including 19 easy routes, 120 moderate routes, and 67 more challenging rides, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Road cycling around Chittlehampton features diverse North Devon landscapes. You'll encounter routes traversing the scenic River Taw valley, undulating countryside, and areas close to the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Many routes offer mostly paved surfaces, ranging from relatively flat paths to more demanding rides with significant elevation gain, providing picturesque backdrops of oak woodland, hedgerows, and farmland.

Yes, Chittlehampton is well-positioned for accessing the Tarka Trail, England's longest traffic-free cycling and walking route. This trail, following a disused railway line, offers a relatively flat and safe cycling experience, connecting areas like Barnstaple and providing an excellent base for cyclists of varying abilities. The Barnstaple Long Bridge, a Grade-I listed monument, has even been renovated to include cycle lanes, enhancing accessibility.

While cycling near Chittlehampton, you can explore several notable landmarks and natural features. Routes often pass by the scenic River Taw. In Barnstaple, you might see the historic Barnstaple Clock Tower. Further afield, the Chelfham Viaduct is another impressive sight. For nature enthusiasts, the Taw Estuary offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Yes, the Chittlehampton area includes 19 easy road cycling routes that are generally suitable for families and those seeking a less strenuous ride. The nearby Tarka Trail, being traffic-free and relatively flat, is also an excellent option for family cycling, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Many of the road cycling routes around Chittlehampton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Umberleigh is a popular moderate circular route, and the Bideford Bridge – Victoria Park, Bideford loop from Chapelton also offers a circular experience.

The spring and summer months are generally ideal for road cycling in the Chittlehampton region, offering pleasant weather and longer daylight hours. In spring, the North Devon countryside is particularly beautiful with bluebells and hedgerow primroses. While routes are accessible year-round, conditions can vary, so checking local forecasts is always recommended.

Yes, many road cycling routes in the Chittlehampton area, especially those that follow or connect to the Tarka Trail, feature numerous pubs and cafes. These establishments provide convenient stops for refreshments, allowing cyclists to refuel and relax during their rides.

The road cycling experience in Chittlehampton is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, from gentle river valleys to more undulating routes, and the stunning natural beauty of the North Devon countryside, including the scenic River Taw and proximity to the AONB.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Chittlehampton area offers 67 difficult road cycling routes. An example is the River Torridge – Beam Aqueduct loop from Chapelton, which is 86.2 miles long with over 1400 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Porlock Toll Road – Simonsbath Village loop from Umberleigh, featuring over 2300 meters of elevation gain.

While specific parking areas for cyclists in Chittlehampton itself may vary, many routes start from nearby towns or villages that offer public parking facilities. When planning your route on komoot, you can often find information about suitable starting points and parking options near the trailhead.

Reaching Chittlehampton by public transport with a bike can be challenging, as rural bus services may have limited capacity for bicycles. It's advisable to check with local bus operators in advance regarding their bike carriage policies. Alternatively, consider starting your ride from a larger town like Barnstaple, which has better public transport links and is connected to cycling routes like the Tarka Trail.